About The Episode
In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, David Hibiske dives into three critical societal and church leadership conversations shaping the landscape in 2025. He unpacks the “Negative World Concept,” the breakdown of the home and family, and the return to prayer and revival stirrings. This episode is a must-listen for church planters and leaders eager to navigate current challenges and seize opportunities for impactful ministry.
Welcome to Episode 033 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with Mike Hickerson and David Hibiske.
Insights From David
- The Negative World Concept
David explores Aaron Renn’s framework of how society’s perception of Christianity has evolved:
- Pre-1994: Positive view of Christianity; marked by seeker-sensitive church movements.
- 1994-2014: Neutral zone; cultural engagement emerged as a strategy.
- 2014-Present: Negative world; rising societal opposition to Christian values.
Leadership Insight: Churches must rethink missiological strategies to stay effective in a culture increasingly skeptical of Christianity. Consider exploring Aaron Renn’s book “Life in the Negative World” and related writings.
- The Breakdown of the Home and Family
The U.S. Surgeon General has flagged the declining mental health of parents as a national crisis. Influences like social media, screen addiction, and increasing fatherlessness are eroding family stability.
Leadership Insight:
- The home is God’s intended primary platform for passing faith to future generations.
- Churches should prioritize equipping parents to disciple their children and model godly marriages.
- Return to Prayer and Revival Stirrings
David highlights a renewed hunger for spiritual awakening among Gen Z and college students, evidenced by recent revival gatherings and increased church prayer initiatives.
Leadership Insight:
- Consecrate Your Team: Lead with personal and team consecration.
- Gather and Pray: Establish regular prayer meetings.
- Create Consistency: Implement structured prayer rhythms like 21 days of prayer or weekly staff gatherings.
Episode Links
Life in the Negative World, by Aaron Renn
Episode 20 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast: “Parenting and Planting”
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
John Tyson’s Pray.NYC initiative
Episode 23 of The Unfair Advantage: “Five Bold Convictions on Prayer for Every Church Planter”
Do ministry together! Three gatherings, nine planters, one cohesive journey. Check out the Ascent Leader Church Planter Cohorts. Get more information today at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/
Who Is David Hibiske?
David Hibiske is the Pastor of Strategic Ministry Initiatives at Saddleback Church, located in Lake Forest, CA. He’s a husband, dad of three amazing kids, and on his time off he loves backpacking and exploring outdoors. Prior to Saddleback he was able to be a part of two church plants, and is passionate about helping ministry leaders reach their potential.
Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsor: Generis.
A generous church is a healthy, growing church. So, if you’re ready to advance your mission, visit Generis.com/getstarted today!
Our goal with the Ascent Leader and our church planting cohorts is to help church planters win early and finish strong. We want to resource you so that you can avoid common pitfalls and simple mistakes. Being involved in a community of leaders like our church planting cohorts is one of the best ways to wrestle through these questions. We’re here to help you, if we can be of assistance to you please feel free to reach out.
Contact our team: ops@theascentleader.org
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